How illegal migrants cope financially during their long journeys to and through Europe has been revealed by the Slovenian site Nova24

According to the site, UNHCR and the EU, in cooperation with MasterCard and Soros, generously hand out prepaid debit cards to the migrants.

The cards are equipped with both EU and UNHCR logos. No identity documents are required to obtain or use the cards – instead of the name of the cardholder, “UNHCR” and a number is printed on the card.

According to Nova24, the information comes from a source within the Croatian police, which states that the migrants are well-equipped with newly purchased, high-quality boots, hiking clothes, smartphones and even weapons.

During the stopover in the Eastern European countries, they withdraw cash from ATMs to stock up on supplies.

MasterCard announced in 2016 that they issued prepaid debit cards to “give refugees mobility, flexibility and dignity”.

In a press release last year, MasterCard also announced a cooperation with George Soros with the aim to “catalyse and accelerate economic and social development for vulnerable groups in the world, especially refugees and migrants”.

The press release further stated that George Soros had earmarked up to $500 million for private investment that will increase capacity to meet the challenges faced by migrants, including refugees, and their host communities across the world.